Alive and Wells (Wells Ranch, #1)

by Bailey Hannah

A horrific tornado with pretty eyes and a terrifyingly wicked heart.

What I would give to look peaceful and happy like her.

Normally, I tune out her voice because I hate the way it scatters goosebumps across my arms, and fills my chest with an uncomfortable fluttering.

Despite the knitted brows and obvious disdain, there’s something about the way he looks at me that always leaves me feeling stripped bare. And he looks frequently. I can’t help but wonder what he sees.

“Honey, you came in from a heck of a storm. You can’t expect to immediately be warm and dry. All you can do is strip the wet clothing, wrap yourself in a blanket, and allow yourself the time it takes to weather it.

I’ve been yearning for slow, relaxed lake days ever since my last visit there at sixteen. At this moment, it feels like I’ve finally found it. There’s that emotion again. Relief.

She brushes past me in the doorway. The lightest bump of her arm against mine leaves me with a head rush. A belly flutter. A knock in my chest.

“Hey, I think I fit in pretty well around here now.” Her teasing tone tightens around my chest. “You do.” It’s not even a lie. She’s managed to fit herself into the ranch somehow. Or maybe the ranch has molded around her. Either way, there’s no denying she belongs now.

She’s the sunshine of this ranch, bringing light into the parts of me that I thought I’d always keep hidden in the dark.

“So, what are we doing?” “Cutting down the goddamn lilac bushes.”

I’ll never not notice him because he’s a magnet, and my blood may as well be filled with metal filings. When he’s in the same room, it’s impossible not to feel his pull.

“It’s okay. I get it…You make me nervous, too.” His cheeks turn pastel pink, and he stares down at his dusty cowboy boots.

I may be starved for affection even more than I am for dinner. I think he is, too.

It’s the feeling of coming home from a long trip. It’s the warmth of the summer sun as you lie in a hammock with a great book. It’s the kind of kiss that lasts forever and ends too soon.

There’s an ache in my bones and a tremor in my heart. Piece by piece, Austin’s mending me. And I kiss him harder, knowing I’m never going to take this moment for granted.

Although I’ve known him for two months, it feels like I’ve been waiting my whole life for him to kiss me.

Specifically, a photo of his lopsided, boyish grin. The undoing of my grumpy Not-a-Cowboy. Doing what he wants, enjoying himself, being reckless.

She’s the love of my life. I know that without a shadow of a doubt now.

“I decided I’m fine with being your second husband because I’ll be your last.”